Industry Pro Newsletter: Tom Viola Retires, Cutting Ball and West Bank Cafe Announce Closures
Connecticut theaters face a funding crisis, and Nicholas Serota outlines a plan to boost the UK’s cultural sector.
By: Alex Freeman Jul. 22, 2024
This week's newsletter covers significant leadership changes, financial challenges, and key events within the theater community. Tom Viola, Executive Director of Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS, announced his retirement, and we look at the closure of New York's iconic West Bank Cafe and Laurie Beechman Theatre. Additionally, NYC's HERE Arts Center names four new co-directors, and the beloved Broadway Flea Market & Grand Auction returns this September. Regionally, San Francisco's Cutting Ball Theater is closing, and Connecticut theaters struggle with funding declines. Internationally, Nicholas Serota presents a revitalization plan for the UK's cultural sector, while Edinburgh Fringe venues fight to recover from pandemic-induced losses.
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Industry Trends
BCEFA Executive Director Tom Viola To Step Down At the End of 2024
Tom Viola, the longtime Executive Director of Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS (BC/EFA), will retire at the end of 2024. Viola has led the organization for 36 years, helping it become a major fundraising and grant-making entity in the theater community. Danny Whitman, BC/EFA’s Director of Development, will succeed him starting January 1, 2025. Viola will remain involved as a consultant throughout 2025, focusing on the National Grants Program. Under Viola’s leadership, BC/EFA has awarded over $300 million to various causes, including $142 million to the Entertainment Community Fund (formerly The Actors Fund).
Broadway/New York
The West Bank Cafe and Laurie Beechman Theatre Will Close in August
The West Bank Cafe and Laurie Beechman Theatre, iconic fixtures of New York City's theater community, will close their doors in August 2024. The venue, which has been a hub for artists and audiences alike since 1978, has faced ongoing financial challenges exacerbated by the pandemic. Despite efforts to save the establishment through fundraising and community support, the decision to close was ultimately made. The closure marks the end of an era for a beloved space known for its intimate performances and vibrant cultural contributions.
American Theatre: NYC’s HERE Names 4 New Co-Directors
HERE Arts Center in New York City has appointed four new co-directors: Annalisa Dias, Lanxing Fu, Lauren Miller, and Jesse Cameron Alick. This new leadership structure aims to foster a collaborative and inclusive environment. Each director brings a unique set of skills and experiences, enhancing the organization’s ability to support innovative and diverse artistic projects. The new co-directors will focus on expanding HERE's programming and community outreach efforts, continuing its legacy of artistic excellence and social impact.
Broadway Flea Market & Grand Auction Will Return This September
The Broadway Flea Market & Grand Auction is set to return on September 24, 2024. This beloved event, which benefits Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS, will take place in Shubert Alley and along West 44th and 45th Streets. Theater enthusiasts can expect to find a variety of Broadway memorabilia, meet their favorite stars, and participate in live and silent auctions. The event is a key fundraiser, helping to support those in need within the theater community.
Regional
San Francisco Chronicle: San Francisco's Cutting Ball Theater To Close
Cutting Ball Theater in San Francisco is facing closure due to financial difficulties. Known for its avant-garde productions, the theater has struggled with declining revenues and rising operational costs. Recent productions had to pivot to virtual formats due to the pandemic, resulting in significant financial losses. The closure of Cutting Ball Theater is a major loss for San Francisco's vibrant theater community.
Connecticut Insider: Connecticut Theaters Face Funding Decline Crisis
Connecticut's theater companies are experiencing a crisis due to a sharp decline in state funding. This financial shortfall has led to budget cuts, staff reductions, and scaled-back productions for many theaters. Theaters are striving to recover from the setbacks caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, but the lack of state support is hindering their efforts. Leaders in the arts community are advocating for increased state funding to ensure the survival and growth of these vital cultural institutions.
International
The Stage: Nicholas Serota: We Need a Revitalized Cultural Sector – Here's My Plan
Nicholas Serota, Chairman of Arts Council England, has outlined a comprehensive plan to revitalize the UK's cultural sector. His proposals include increased funding for arts education, improved support for regional theaters, and initiatives to make cultural activities more accessible to diverse audiences. Serota emphasizes the importance of government investment in the arts to drive economic recovery and social cohesion. The plan aims to address long-standing disparities and ensure the sustainability of the cultural sector.
The Guardian: Relentless Losses Leave Edinburgh Fringe Venues Fighting to Recover from COVID Slump
Edinburgh Fringe venues are struggling to recover from significant financial losses incurred during the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite a return to in-person events, many venues report that ticket sales and audience numbers have not returned to pre-pandemic levels. The ongoing challenges have forced some venues to consider scaling back operations or facing potential closure. The report highlights the urgent need for support to ensure the survival of these important cultural institutions.
Missed our last few newsletters?
July 15, 2024 - Making an Original Broadway Cast Recording & NYC's Record Investment
This week's newsletter highlights the intricate process of creating an Original Broadway Cast Recording and celebrates New York City's record $254 million investment in cultural institutions. Regionally, Milwaukee theaters respond artistically to the Republican National Convention, and new leadership appointments at Virginia Repertory Theatre and Shakespeare Center Los Angeles promise fresh visions. Internationally, Kathy Bourne's election as President of UK Theatre aims to bolster the sector, while a report on rising West End ticket prices raises accessibility concerns. We also cover the imprisonment of Russian theatermakers for "justifying terrorism" and the community-driven rescue of Oldham Coliseum Theatre from closure.
BroadwayWorld launches its Trendsetters program to connect influencers and productions, while Garth Drabinsky's legal woes continue with a lost appeal. The Duplex's Upstairs Theater is set to reopen, and the Broadway Show League enjoys media spotlight. Regionally, Nike Doukas takes the helm at Antaeus Theatre, and Florida Studio Theatre secures essential funding despite statewide arts cuts. Internationally, SOLT and UK Theatre call for governmental support, while QPAC appoints a new Chief Executive. Additionally, the UK Labour Party proposes substantial cultural funding boosts, aiming to revitalize the arts sector.
July 1, 2024 - Playwrights Horizons Layoffs & New Appointments: What's Next?
This week's newsletter delves into significant milestones, leadership changes, and challenges within the theater community. From the record-breaking fundraising efforts of Broadway Bares: Hit the Strip to the financial difficulties leading to layoffs at Playwrights Horizons, the stories highlight both triumphs and struggles. New leadership appointments at Playwrights Horizons and Second Stage signal strategic shifts, while a report naming New York City as the world's most traffic-congested city underscores logistical challenges. Regionally, new Managing Directors at STAGES and Creede Repertory Theatre promise fresh visions, and internationally, the RSC's first London Executive Producer aims to expand its influence. Explore these developments and their impact on the theater landscape.
BroadwayWorld Resources
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